Low Pay Commission must ensure all workers benefit from recovery
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Low Pay Commission launch: (Front row, left to right) Director of PublicPolicy.ie Dr Donal de Buitleir, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Tanaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, and Minister of State for Business and Employment, Ged Nash. (Back row, left to right) Chief Executive Maxol Group Tom Noonan, Director Migrant Rights Centre, Edel McGinley, Director HR Suite, Caroline McEnery, Economics Lecturer WITE Business School, Mary Mosse, Professor of Economics NUI Maynooth, Donal O'Neill, CEO Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association Vincent Jennings, SIPTU Vice President, Patricia King and Assisant General Secretary Mandate Trade Union, Gerry Light. Picture: Photocall Ireland
The Low Pay Commission, which was launched on Thursday (26th February) is expected to issue a preliminary report on the level of the minimum wage by mid summer.
The nine-person commission, which includes current SIPTU Vice President and incoming Congress President, Patricia King, has been established to advise Government on the correct level to set the minimum wage. In the coming weeks, the commission will consult widely with employers, unions and civic society in order to inform its deliberations on the level at which the minimum wage should be set. Speaking at the first meeting of the commission, Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, said: “The Commission represents the next step in the Labour Party and the Government prioritising work and fairness as the economic recovery takes hold.” She added: “If we are interested in long-term solutions, it is crucial we start looking at why there are jobs that simply do not pay enough to cover the basic costs of living. SIPTU Services Division Organiser, John King, said: “We are pleased that the Low Pay Commission has been advanced to a position where it can now begin its work. SIPTU will be working along with it to ensure that the benefits of the improving economy are distributed to the low paid and vulnerable workers.” He added: “The commission can play a vital role in both ensuring all workers benefit from the economic recovery and assisting that recovery by ensuring that more money is put into the economy by workers.”
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